Israeli Defence Minister Inaugurates New Settlement in Jenin Following Property Demolitions

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz officially inaugurated a new settlement in Jenin on Thursday, marking a significant development in the occupied West Bank. The ceremony took place on the same day that Israeli military forces carried out the demolition of various Palestinian shops and properties in the area.

According to Middle East Eye, the establishment of this settlement follows recent activity by Israeli soldiers who cleared existing structures to make way for the new site. The destruction of Palestinian-owned properties preceded the arrival of government officials for the inauguration event.

Jenin, located in the northern West Bank, has frequently been a focal point of military operations and territorial disputes. The opening of new settlements in this region is considered illegal under international law, though Israel continues to maintain and expand its presence across the territory.

The timing of the inauguration, occurring immediately after the demolition of commercial properties, underscores the ongoing tensions regarding land use and ownership in the city. The move by the Defence Ministry represents a formalisation of the new settlement's status within the administrative framework of the occupation.

Based on reporting by Middle East Eye.